CVE-2022-28272 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) affecting Adobe Photoshop versions 22.5.6 and earlier, as well as 23.2.2 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when Photoshop improperly handles certain crafted files, allowing an attacker to write data outside the intended memory boundaries. Such an out-of-bounds write can corrupt memory, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a maliciously crafted file in Photoshop. There are no known exploits in the wild as of the published date, and no official patches have been linked in the provided information. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by allowing code execution, which could lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or system compromise. However, the attack complexity is elevated due to the need for user action and the absence of remote exploitation vectors. The vulnerability is classified as medium severity by the vendor, but no CVSS score is provided.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-28272 can be significant, especially for those heavily reliant on Adobe Photoshop in their workflows, such as media companies, graphic design firms, advertising agencies, and publishing houses. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data breaches, intellectual property theft, or disruption of business operations. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files. The risk is heightened in environments where Photoshop is used with elevated privileges or where endpoint security is insufficient. Additionally, compromised systems could serve as footholds for lateral movement within corporate networks, increasing the overall threat landscape. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks, especially as threat actors often develop exploits for publicly disclosed vulnerabilities.

1. Immediate application of any available Adobe Photoshop updates beyond version 22.5.6 and 23.2.2 once released, as these are likely to contain fixes for this vulnerability. 2. Implement strict email and file filtering policies to block or quarantine suspicious files, especially those with Photoshop-related extensions or from untrusted sources. 3. Educate users on the risks of opening files from unknown or untrusted origins, emphasizing caution with unsolicited attachments. 4. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques for Photoshop to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 5. Monitor endpoint behavior for unusual activities indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process launches or memory anomalies. 6. Restrict Photoshop usage to least privilege principles, avoiding administrative rights where possible. 7. Maintain up-to-date endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting exploitation patterns related to out-of-bounds memory writes. 8. Conduct regular security awareness training focusing on social engineering tactics that could lead to malicious file execution.